CFS Holberg and its Ground Search And Rescue (GSAR) Team no longer exist, but its legacy lives on! Placing this geocache on the trails of Cape Scott Provincial Park pays tribute to all the Station personnel who strived so hard (in trying conditions) re-establishing the old trails which were used by the settlers. Most of the settlers departed between 1917 & 1920.
When the B.C. Centennial Committee suggested that each community submit a worthwhile project to commemorate the Centennial year of 1971, it was decided by the personnel of CFS Holberg (and in particular, Station Commander Lt.Col. J.D. Dickson) that it would be most worthy to reopen the old historic trail links near CFS Holberg, connecting San Josef Bay, Nissen Bight, Nels Bight, Hanson Lagoon, Guise Bay and Cape Scott. This would result in unlocking the spectacular beauties and history of these areas to hikers, in this modern age of travel and adventure. Accordingly, B.C. Parks approved the project in 14 Feb.1971, and Station personnel embarked on a project of considerable magnitude to 'clear and reconstruct ' the many kilometers of trails. Captain Curt Usherwood was tasked as Coordinator for the implementation of this project. All the equipment, food, fuel, and shelter materials had to be carried in on packboards. This work entailed the use of hand saws, axes, brush cutters, machetes, and chainsaws for clearing and brushing, replacing rotten bridges, and placing corduroy in wet areas. When work started, the trailhead was at Ronnings (about 5 Km from the present TH). As the work progressed towards Eric Lake, the hike into the work site became too long for single day work. So the task fell fully on the shoulders of the GSAR Team, who set up temporary camps in different locations as work progressed. The team was made up of volunteers who were 'pried' away from their primary duties, or on days off, and even on vacation time. The team was required to respond to GSAR emergencies while this project was being implemented! The camps were plastic sheeting lean-tos, & on many occasions it rained for days on end, making life miserable both outside and in the lean-tos. These guys encountered endless mud, torrential rain, and enormous deadfalls as well as undergrowth - salal, devils claw, willows and huckleberry. Curt recalls that the worst part of the trail rehab was between Eric Lake and Fishermans River where over 50 large deadfalls had to be cut up and removed. The first camp was set up at Eric Lake, then Fishermans R., and then finally at the cabin at Hansens Lagoon. This project was completed on 20 October 1973. The provincial government officially designated this area as Cape Scott Provincial Park in 28 October 1973.
Many of the Station personnel volunteered their time on this project, and their efforts were greatly appreciated. The names of the core group of GSAR Team volunteers were:
Capt. Curt Usherwood Reg Richardson Dick Price Brian Pilon Wayne Hunt
Chuck Chapman Bob Miles Terry Howard Joe Barker Ron Kerlew
Woody Woodruff Mike Collier Merle Humphrey Pete Jacobs Gary Tracey
Leroy Schaffer Rod Stewart Gord Vader Earl Sontag Bob Chapman
PER ARDUA AD ASTRA
For those adventurous people that are looking for a challenging & rewarding hiking & geocaching experience, this is it! As can be noted from the attached links, the Cape Scott Trail-North Coast Trail hike is a venture one will not soon forget! This cache has several tradeable items; it also has a Scratch to Win ticket with the FTF! Please hide the cache just as you found it. After you have relaxed & taken in the beauty of this Park, continue the cache hunt by continuing up, or down on this trail! Enjoy this adventure!
Links:
http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Cape-Scott-Provincial-Park-near-Port-Hardy-BC-6169
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/cape_scott/
http://vancouverisland.com/things-to-do-and-see/parks-and-trails/vancouver-island-bc-islands/cape-scott-provincial-park/